Daddy long legs scurry away when you make five key changes around home

Daddy long legs scurry away when you make five key changes around home

Daddy long legs insects may not pose any harm to humans, but their presence can still make people feel uneasy, especially when they start flying around the house. If you’ve been noticing an increase in daddy long legs in your home, you’re not alone. Social media platforms are filled with reports of these creepy crawlies appearing everywhere. According to one TikTok user, they’ve seen “swarms” of daddy long legs around their property, while another person found about 20 of them inside her house in just a week.

In the UK, “daddy long legs” commonly refers to two different types of creatures: Crane Flies and Harvestmen. Crane Flies are large insects that resemble oversized mosquitoes, with long legs and a slender body. They do not bite or sting humans and are often seen in late summer and early autumn around grassy areas. Harvestmen, on the other hand, are arachnids related to spiders, with a compact body and extremely long legs, hence the nickname “daddy long legs.” Harvestmen are harmless and do not produce silk or spin webs.

To deter daddy long legs from your home, pest prevention specialist Sophie Thorogood from Pest-Stop recommends the following methods:

– Dim the lights: Since crane flies are attracted to light, reducing outdoor lighting or using yellow “bug” lights can help minimize their presence. Keep windows, doors, and curtains closed when it’s bright inside.
– Keep moisture levels in check: Daddy long legs are drawn to moist environments, so reducing humidity by using a dehumidifier and ensuring good airflow in damp areas can make your home less inviting to pests.
– Seal entry points: Check for and seal any gaps or cracks where daddy long legs could enter, and make sure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens.
– Maintain the garden: Keep your lawn trimmed and remove decaying plant matter, as crane flies lay eggs in moist soil. Use solutions like nematodes to target larvae and reduce the number of adults.
– Use careful removal tactics: Instead of killing the insects, gently relocate them outdoors by ushering them out of a window or using a glass to catch and release them unharmed.

By making these simple changes, you can help keep daddy long legs at bay and enjoy a pest-free home environment.

Insights and Summary:
Daddy long legs, whether they are Crane Flies or Harvestmen, are harmless creatures that can still cause concern when found in large numbers indoors. Making simple adjustments like dimming lights, reducing moisture levels, sealing entry points, maintaining the garden, and using careful removal techniques can help deter these insects from your home. By understanding their behaviour and taking preventive measures, you can create a more comfortable living space free from unwanted pests.